The Democratic National Convention opens in Chicago today, and Vermont’s delegation is one of the youngest in the country.

Nine of the 14 voting delegates are under the age of 37 — and four are under 26.

The youngest Vermont delegate in Chicago is Addie Lentzner of Bennington, who will be entering her sophomore year at Middlebury College. She’s been a political activist in Vermont for several years.

Vermont Public’s Bob Kinzel had a chance to talk with her before she left about how she sees her role at the convention.

This interview was produced for the ear. We highly recommend listening to the audio. We’ve also provided a transcript, which has been edited for length and clarity.

Bob Kinzel: Addie, Vermont has one of the youngest delegations at the Democratic National Convention this year. What do you see as the significance of that?

Addie Lentzner: I think it’s it’s hugely significant. A lot of times, politicians will talk so much about how they love getting out the youth vote and how much they support youth vote and how much they need the youth vote, but when it comes to actual politics and actual being in the room, a lot of times, youth aren’t there. And so I think having the youngest delegation coming from Vermont and having such such young young people involved is so powerful, and it sends a message that young people are not just receivers, but we want to be part of the solution too, and we want to be part of the journey to bettering politics.

Bob Kinzel: Does it indicate to you that there’s a new, younger wave of people getting interested in political issues in Vermont, almost a passing of the torch from one generation to another?

Addie Lentzner: Definitely, I have definitely seen that with even just in schools and in my college and my high school, and through organizations that I’m a part of with other high schools, there are so many young people who care deeply about the world we live in and our state and want to make a difference in it. And that’s been really, really energizing for me to see. So I think this is part of a wave in Vermont of young people coming up and saying, Hey, this is my future. I want to have a say in it.

Bob Kinzel: You’ve been active in political issues for a number of years. Have you had to deal with some people who might downplay some of your concerns and thoughts because they feel, hey, you don’t have enough experience?

Addie Lentzner: Oh, definitely. I have heard from, I mean, I’ve heard it from superintendents. I’ve heard it from many people who are saying, “Oh, you, what? You’re 18, 19, 17, you shouldn’t be making these decisions. You shouldn’t be having this voice, and you don’t understand what the real problems are. You don’t have that experience.” And to that, I say, well, that’s why we need to work together — but we as young people, I am a young person, have special experience and a perspective that adults don’t have. And so if I’m not part of this conversation, then things aren’t going to get better. And that, you know, it’s really discouraging to hear that, but I also think it’s so much part of our society that youth are more of the receivers than the ones acting, and I think that’s something that needs to be changed. And slowly it is changing.

Bob Kinzel: So tell me, why did you want to be a delegate at the Democratic National Convention?

Addie Lentzner: That is a good question. So I initially, like, a year ago, I had no idea what, like — I was involved in the Democratic Party. I had been since I was little, but I didn’t know much about the convention. I didn’t know that it was a possibility for me to join. And I found out more about it, and decided to put my name in, and ended up — I’m going. I think it’s really important for young people to be going, because especially with this election, we’re facing two choices, and bringing young people into this is really important. So when I was going into the DNC, I had no idea it was gonna, like — I had no idea it was going to be this consequential, really. And now I’m super excited.

Bob Kinzel: Is this convention also an opportunity for you to meet with some young people from other states and talk about some of the issues that you have in common?

Addie Lentzner: Oh yeah, we actually already have a Discord with like 150 of us who are under like 30 going to the convention. And we talk about all sorts of policy issues, which is really cool.

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Vermont is the smallest state by population. Its scenic mountains and valleys draw visitors from all over the world to relish its captivating fall foliage. Also, it’s the state that birthed the delicious Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Among the many wonderful towns to visit here, Burlington, Woodstock, and Newport are all standout gems, given their outdoor recreational activities and bustling downtowns. However, they are just one of many charming towns, as we will see. This article will highlight 2024’s eight most charming towns in the Green Mountain State.

Shelburne

Shelburne offers the perfect fusion of history and outdoor adventures. Begin your journey at the one-of-a-kind Shelburne Museum, where you can explore over 150,000 treasures in 39 buildings. The 45-acre museum displays collections and artifacts from American folk art, impressionist paintings, decorative arts, maritime-related items, and more. Following this, immerse yourself in the scenic Shelburne Bay Park hiking area, which offers a recreation path for brisk walks, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing and provides top-notch views of Lake Champlain. Afterward, head over to Shelburne Farms, where you can experience immersive guided tours, including the Shelburne Farm Tours, House & Garden Tour at the Shelburne Farms Inn, and the Summer Forest Bathing: shinrin-yoku. The latter is ideal for those seeking a tranquil while enjoying a sensory-guided walk under the protection of the forest canopy.

Woodstock

Woodstock is home to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, which is widely recognized as the progenitor and origin of the conservation movement. See the very same sugar maple trees that inspired the movement and trek the 20 miles of hiking trails. What’s more, the park is home to historic scenery, beautiful stone walls, and covered bridges. After your hike, explore the heart of Woodstock in the downtown area, where you can tour through pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and access a wide range of quaint shops and cafes offering an impressive selection of boutique items and hidden gems. Among many locally-owned businesses, The Yankee Bookshop is a notable standout that was awarded the month of August’s featured business of the month; it remains Vermont’s longest-running bookstore, having opened its doors 89 years ago, back in 1935, and offers a wide array of non-fiction and fiction books for readers of all ages. Finally, march up to Mount Tom Peak, where you will be rewarded with a calendar-worthy view of Woodstock from atop.

Middlebury

Middlebury is home to the esteemed Middlebury College, one of America’s oldest liberal arts colleges. The 223-year-old institution has immersed itself as an integral part of the town’s community, as reflected by Middlebury’s remarkably low median age of just 22.8 years. To get a feel of the scene, grab a cup of joe at one of many available cafes, including Little Seed Coffee Roasters located near Otter Creek river. And just a short three-minute walk away lies the Henry Sheldon Museum, where you can delve into their special exhibitions that include the likes of Patent Pending, Model Boats, and more. Finally, uncover the town’s prized gem at Otter View Park, where you can march on a 0.6-mile loop trail with a boardwalk and observe critical habitat areas that house birds and other wildlife. The park is ideal for hikers of all skill levels, including those who prefer leisurely walks amid the lush greenery.

Montpelier

This town holds the title of being the smallest capital state in the US. But don’t let its small size fool you! There are several things to love about Montpelier. For starters, it’s rare to find a chain store here—which helped Montpelier land a spot on USA Today’s 2021 list of best small towns for shopping. Additionally, it’s home to the acclaimed Vermont Historical Society Museum, which dates back to 1838. In addition to the usual exhibition museum feature, this one also has a library that offers access to 50,000+ cataloged books. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, unplug and recharge at the C.C. Putnam State Forest, located just 24.1 miles away from town. With over 13,633 acres to explore, C.C. Putnam offers outdoor lovers all the space they need to hike, cross-country ski, and observe wildlife. Moreover, this park is home to the famous Moss Glen Falls Natural Area, a scenic waterfall with a total plunge exceeding 100 feet—by far making it Vermont’s tallest.

Stowe

Stowe is renowned for its world-class ski resorts and outdoor recreational opportunities. Launch your journey at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, a 36-year-old exhibit center that boasts a wide range of galleries and collections related to snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and alpine skiing. To get a real feel of the sport, though, head to Stowe Mountain Resort, where you can test your skills on 116 ski trails, with the highest elevation topping 3,625 feet. If you don’t know how to ski, don’t fret—there are beginner and intermediate terrains to practice and develop your skills. Beyond the exhilarating slopes, Stowe Mountain features several amenities to wander, including the cozy Cliff House Restaurant, Ice Skating at Spruce Peak Village, and the awe-inspiring Gondola SkyRide, which provides panoramic mountain views to remember for a lifetime.

Manchester

If you’re curious why Vermont is known as the Green Mountain State, look to Manchester to find the answer. The epic peaks here extend as far as the eye can see. Start your trip by exploring the Manchester Riverwalk, a charming and brief path that follows the stream and millpond, offering a peaceful escape. It’s well-kept and maintained, but more importantly, free of disturbances, providing a pleasant getaway from noises and busy crowds. After that, trek the North Meadow Farm, a small family-owned business where you can witness scenic views of the towering mountains nearby, in addition to meeting all the farm’s friendly animals, including cows, rabbits, goats, and fowls. Furthermore, take advantage of their esteemed store before you leave to feast on the freshest eggs, honey, and cheese curds available anywhere. Afterward, head over to Lye Brook Falls, a prominent trail in the Green Mountain National Forest, where you can experience Vermont’s untamed landscape, laden with lush trees, rivers, ponds, and more. The terrain is rocky, so it’s highly recommended to bring proper gear and hiking boots.

Burlington

Despite being Vermont’s largest city, Burlington boasts a population of just 43,000 residents, giving it a charming small-town vibe. The city sits on the shores of Lake Champlain and offers stunning views laden with waterfront parks, beaches, and relaxing boat cruises. Kickstart your journey on Church Street, a pedestrian-only avenue with over 60+ retail shops and 30+ restaurants, art galleries, street performers, and cart vendors. And just a short 8.1 miles away, Shelburne Museum is home to limited exhibitions and permanent displays, including the All Aboard exhibit from June 22 to October 20 this year, where visitors can learn about America’s fascinating train history amid the era of industrialization era from 1840 to 1955. There are over 100,000 collections in this museum to explore, ranging from fine arts to textiles, folk art, and more.

Newport

Newport sits on the shores of the picturesque Lake Memphremagog, a glacier lake extending into the Canadian province of Quebec. There are numerous ways to enjoy this lake, with swimming, kayaking, sailboating, and ice fishing in colder months topping the list. To stay the night, Prouty Beach offers 36 acres of land to camp out on with outstanding views of the waters. Next, explore the historic Downtown Newport, where you can shop at local stores offering premium outlets that sell attire, art, jewelry, and many other retail stores. And since Vermont flaunts the best outdoor spots, conclude your trip with the famous Newport Bike Path and Beebe Spur to North Derby, an easy path spanning several miles. The route takes around two hours and thirty minutes to complete and is also ideal for birdwatching and a fun way to unwind amid the breathtaking natural landscape.

In summary, these eight charming towns offer a wide range of experiences that cater to visitors of all stripes. The scenic mountain views, historic landmarks, and vibrant downtown areas all make the Green Mountain State the beautiful state so many flock to see. Whether you aim to explore the serene woodlands of Woodstock or the charming small-town vibe of Burlington, each city will leave you with a memorable moment to cherish and reflect on in its own special way.

WHITINGHAM, VT. — The vehicle of a missing man from North Bennington, Vt., was found abandoned Friday in Whitingham, Vt. However, its owner remains missing.

Matthew Houskeeper, 59, was last seen at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, when he was getting a haircut at Camille’s Hair Salon in Manchester, Vt. He was reported missing after he did not show up for a scheduled 10 a.m. shift at Kevin’s Sports Pub in North Bennington — something very out of character according to family, friends and coworkers.

His vehicle was located at 2445 Tunnel St. in Whitingham, near Sherman Reservoir, around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, according to police, and troopers responded to process the scene and initiate a search. Houskeeper, 59, had not been located before the search ended at nightfall.

Police resumed their search of the area on Saturday and Sunday, but did not find him.

Houskeeper is described as having gray-blonde hair that is cut short.

He was reported missing to the Bennington Police Department, according to his sister, Erica Housekeeper. The BPD confirmed that he was not at his apartment, she said.

“We have friends looking around reservoirs and lakes,” said Erica Houskeeper. “I also contacted Vermont State Parks.”

Though Houskeeper had been vacationing in Rhode Island in the days prior to his disappearance, his family confirms that he returned home early this week.

The Vermont State Police requests that anyone with information about Houskeeper’s disappearance contact either VSP’s Westminster Barracks at 802-722-4600 or the Bennington Police Department at 802-442-1030. Anonymous tips can be provided online at vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.

This article might be updated.